Page 11 of Guarding Her Heart
Ethan: Good morning, sweetheart. How was your night?
Me: Good morning, it was great. How was yours?
Ethan: It would have been better with you here with me.
My heart skips a beat when I read that. I don’t have time to respond when he messages again.
Ethan: Can I see you tonight?
Me: I thought you’d never ask. How does six sound?
Ethan: I’ll pick you up at six.
Me: See you then.
I toss the covers off and sit up, a flutter of excitement in my chest. Brooke’s going to flip when she hears about last night. It’s been a while since I’ve had good news to share, and I can’t wait to see her reaction. I quickly get ready, slipping into a simple sundress and sandals, my mind still half on Ethan and half on the day ahead. As I head out the door, I can’t help but feel like I’m walking on air.
The short drive to the Bean & Bagel is filled with the familiar sounds of Hibiscus Harbor waking up—the distant hum of cars, the laughter of children on their way to school, and the scent of fresh bread wafting from the bakery on the corner. It’s one of the things I love most about this town—everything feels alive, vibrant, like anything is possible.
When I step into the café, the rich aroma of coffee surrounds me. “Good morning, Jenny.” Kate, the owner of the Bean & Bagel calls over to me from behind the counter. Kate makes the best coffee and bagels on the planet and this place is always packed in the mornings.
“Good morning, Kate.” I wave. “How’s it going?”
She smiles at me, “My life is perfect. Couldn’t ask for anything more.”
“Liar!” Her best friend, Grace, yells from behind the counter. “She needs a boyfriend. Got any prospects for her? I keep running dry.” She calls out to me.
I laugh, “Nope. I’m bone dry, to,” I tease as Kate swats at Grace with a dish rag.
“Brooke’s over there.” Kate points to my best friend.
“Thanks Kate.” I laugh as Grace sticks her tongue out at Kate. Those two are fun to be around and one of the many reasons I love coming to this café.
I spot Brooke already at our usual table, a knowing grin on her face. She’s holding two steaming cups of coffee, and I can see the anticipation in her eyes as I approach.
“So?” she says, barely able to contain herself. “Tell me everything!”
I laugh, sliding into the seat across from her. “It was perfect, Brooke. We had dinner at The Silver Willow, talked about everything under the sun, and we just... clicked, you know? Like we’ve known each other forever.”
Her grin widens, and she reaches across the table to squeeze my hand. “I knew it! I could just tell there was something special about this guy. And the way you’re smiling right now... Jenny, it’s like I’ve got my best friend back. I can’t wait to meet him.”
I feel a warmth spread through me at her words. Brooke’s always been my biggest cheerleader, even when things with Richard were falling apart. She was the one who helped me pick up the pieces, who reminded me that I was worth more than the way he treated me. And now, seeing the pride and happiness in her eyes, it makes me believe that maybe I do deserve this—this chance at something new, something real.
“He texted me this morning and we’re seeing each other again tonight,” I say, unable to hide the excitement in my voice. “I don’t know where it’s going between us, but... I want to find out.”
“Of course you do,” Brooke says, leaning back in her chair with a satisfied nod. “And I’m here for it, every step of the way. Just promise me you’ll be careful, okay? I don’t want Richard showing up and causing any more problems.”
The mention of Richard sends a shiver down my spine, but I quickly push it aside. Last night felt like a new beginning, a chance to leave all of that behind me.
“I’ll be careful,” I assure her. “But I can’t live my life in fear of what he might do. Ethan makes me feel safe, cherished. Brooke, he’s different.”
“I can see that,” she says softly, her expression serious. “Just... promise you’ll let me know if anything happens. You don’t have to do this alone.”
“I promise,” I say, my heart swelling with gratitude for her unwavering support.
We finish our coffee, chatting about school and the upcoming weekend, and by the time we head to the elementary school, I’m feeling more grounded, more ready to face whatever comes next.
The school day passes in a blur of activity—first graders with endless energy and a million questions. It’s the kind of day that keeps me on my toes, but there’s a comfort in the routine, a sense of purpose that I’ve always loved. Every now and then, my mind drifts back to Ethan, and I find myself wondering how his day is going, if he’s thinking about me too.
